EX-RUKN HIT MAN ADMITS MURDERING 2

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

A former El Rukn hit man pleaded guilty Friday to racketeering and murder conspiracy charges rather than face a retrial and a probable longer prison term.

Andrew Craig's original conviction and 50-year prison sentence were thrown out amid allegations of misconduct by prosecutors. His new plea agreement with the government calls for a 30-year prison term.

In pleading guilty, Craig, 44, a former "officer" of the notorious South Side street gang, admitted he killed Willie McLilly and Roy Love, two high-ranking El Rukn leaders, in a 1974 hit ordered by gang leader Jeff Fort.

Craig arranged to get a ride home from the two, and as the car stopped at a light at 83rd Street and Ellis Avenue, he shot both of them twice in the back of the head, according to his plea agreement.